Oscar de la Renta - by Andre Leon Talley (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This volume has been published in conjunction with the exhibition Oscar de la Renta: His Legendary World of Style, first presented and exhibited by the Savannah College of Art and Design at the SCAD Museum of Art, February 5-May 3, 2015"--Colophon.

Book Synopsis

A sumptuous monograph tracing the life and legacy of fashion luminary Oscar de la Renta. In October 2014 one of the fashion world's champions, Oscar de la Renta, passed away, a great loss brightened by the innumerable successes of his half-century reign. The acclaimed fashion designer dressed first ladies from Kennedy to Obama, and celebrities from Beyoncé to Sarah Jessica Parker. Renowned for his unique charm, impeccable taste, and original lifestyle, he married the highest standards of French couture with the ultimate motivation that women must look and feel beautiful.
In this intimate volume, longtime editor and friend André Leon Talley recounts de la Renta's journey through nearly 70 iconic dresses, mainly made for private clients, accompanied by fascinating stories of the exquisite craftsmanship and the legendary friends that brought each gown to life. Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, de la Renta left for Madrid at nineteen to study art, where he rose to prominence as a sketch artist for newspapers and fashion houses. From his apprenticeship under Cristóbal Balenciaga to his eponymous collections, the designer's simple lines elevated with a flamenco dancer's flourish reflect his deep connection to his roots and his commitment to transcendence through beautiful garments.

Review Quotes

"Anna Wintour, in her forward to the book, describes [Oscar de la Renta's] gift as 'genius plus love.' This credo-- intelligence wed to affection -- is apparent everywhere in this new book, which celebrates the man, his life, his world, and his rare vision."
-VOGUE.COM

"For those who were unable to visit the SCAD Museum of Art's Oscar de la Renta tribute exhibition this spring, this gorgeous tome provides another chance to view 70 of the dresses that were on display-- many of whom were custom created for private clients such as Diana Taylot and Hillary Clinton."
-stylecaster.com

"A mastermind in the world of fashion, Oscar de la Renta was celebrated for his fine craft and exemplary taste. Here the everlasting legacy of his stunning gowns lives on."
-THE SOCIETY DIARIES

"Famous for dressing Jacqueline Kennedy and countless other style icons in Hollywood and beyond, Oscar de la Renta made the world a more beautiful place with each of his exquisite designs. This book takes a closer look at nearly seventy iconic gowns." -Bookriot.com

About the Author

André Leon Talley is a writer and contributing editor to Vogue. He has written extensively on fashion and popular culture and has authored the books A.L.T.: A Memoir, A.L.T. 365+, and Little Black Dress. Anna Wintour is the editor in chief of Vogue and artistic director of Condé Nast. Paula Wallace is the president and founder of SCAD. Adam Kuehl is a SCAD alumnus. His work has appeared in publications including Little Black Dress, National Geographic Traveler, the New York Times, and Vogue.